Cutting and printing device



United States Patent lina Filed Mar. 10, 1965, Ser. No. 438,624 3Claims. Cl. 101-26) This invention relates to improvements in a cuttingand printing device adapted for use in cutting successive similarlyshaped portions or tabs from sheet material and simultaneouslyimprinting on the sheet material immediately adjacent the location fromwhich each such tab is removed a symbol or identifying data.

While by no means limited thereto, the device of the invention findsparticular utility in keeping accurate account of the work output ofeach operator in a garment assembly line in which a bundle tagaccompanies a bundle of garment components down the assembly line. Thebundle tag includes a main portion to which are integral-1y attachedtabs or tokens to be removed and retained by the respective operatorsupon completion by each operator of a specific operation on certain ofthe components com prised in the bundle. On the main body of the bundletag adjacent each such tab is provided a space on which the operatorapplies her identifying data to indicate that the given operation wasperformed by her, while removing and retaining the tab. The tabs thusaccumulated by each operator over a given period may be utilized as abasis for determining the operators compensation, while the identifyingdata on the main portion of the bundle tag affords a basis for checkingthe work output of the respective operators against the tabs accumulatedby them.

It has been customary in the past for each operator to cut out each tabwith a pair of scissors, and in a separate operation to apply herdesignating number or symbol to the main tag portion adjacent thelocation from which the tab was removed. This process, when repeatednumerous times throughout each work day, manifestly involves acumulative loss of a substantial amount of time which might otherwise bedevoted to productive Work, and at the same time afrords undesiredleeway for errors such as inadvertent failure of the operator to applyher designating number or symbol; to apply it in the proper location, orto remove and retain the tab.

With this in mind, it is a prime object of the invention to provide acombination mechanical tab-removing, storing and printing device forsimultaneously removing the tabs, storing them and printing theoperators identification at the proper location on the main body of thebundle tag.

In accordance with the invention, such a device comprises a pair ofcrossed levers medially pivoted to each other and formed to provideoperating handles on one side of the pivot and relatively opposed workengaging jaws on the other side thereof, whereby the jaws may be urgedtoward each other by squeezing the handles together as with aconventional pair of pliers.

One of the jaws bears a cutting die of appropriate shape in plan forsnug reception in and withdrawal from a mating opening through theopposed jaw whereby to cut out and remove from the tag tabs ofpredetermined shape and size. A receptacle carried by the opposing jawin alignment with the said opening receives and accumulates the tabsnormally in stacked formation. At the free end of one of the jaws iscarried a printing device for co- 3,276,355 Patented Oct. 4, 1966operation with an opposing platen at the free end of the other jaw forimpressing the operators identifying number or symbol on the main bodyof the tag in predetermined position relative to the tab being removed.

In addition to the foregoing novel arrangement of features, theinvention incorporates further specific improvements including asimplified means for removably mounting the cutting die and the printingdevice in operative position; a novel manner of removably securing thetab receptacle to its associated jaw whereby to utilize the jaw as aremovable closure for the receptacle; and the pro vision of a workposition stop for facilitating registry of the cutting die with the tabto be removed.

To promote an understanding of the invention, reference is now made tothe preferred embodiment thereof illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, and specific language will be used to describe same. It willnevertheless be appreciated that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, but that such modifications andalterations are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled inthe art to which the invention relates.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of a device embodying the invention in itspreferred form and as it appears when operatively positioned for usewith a bundle tag, a portion of the tag being illustrated in phantom asoperatively positioned in the open jaws of the device.

FIGURE 2 is a vertical longitudinal section through the device of FIGURE1, a portion of one of the operating handles being broken away.

FIGURE 3 is a section taken on the line 33 of FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged detail section in the same plane as FIGURE 3showing in more detail certain of the structure illustrated in FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of part of a conventional bundle tag of theclass with which the illustrated embodiment of the invention isparticularly adapted for use.

Referring now in detail to the accompanying drawings, it will be seenfrom FIGURES 1 and 2 that the device is of the pliar type, comprising apair of rigid levers L and L which cross each other at their mid-pointswhere they are pivotally interconnected at 10. As is customary in pliarconstruction, the levers in this instance are formed to providerelatively opposed operating handles 11 and 12 on one side of the pivot10 and relatively opposed fiat jaws 13 and 14 on the opposite side ofpivot 10.

As is best illustrated in FIGURE 2, a spring '15 is looped around thepivot 10 with its extremities engaging the respective handles 11 and 12to bias them and the jaws away from each other. The opposed jaws 13 and14 are provided with relatively opposed fiat faces 16 and 17. Looselydisposed through the inner ends of the flat jaw faces 16 and 17 is abolt 18 having a nut 19 threaded thereon for cooperation with the bolthead in limiting the relative spreading of the jaws.

Afiixed to the face 17 of jaw 13 by fastening devices such as screws 20and 21 is a cutting die 22 of block-like configuration adapted for snugreception in and through a conformingly shaped opening 23 through theflat face 16 of jaw 14.

Both the cutting die or die block 22 and the opening 23 are spacedrearwardly from the free ends of the respective jaws to provide spacefor the printing means carried at said free ends. Thus at the free endof jaw 13 is affixed a printing device 24, the printing face of which isdirected toward and adapted for cooperation with a platen 25 defined byaportion of the opposing fla-t jaw surface area 16 at the free end ofjaw 14.

The printing device 24 may be of any suitable conventional type, beinghere illustrated as a commercially available type of self-inking, rubberstamp, the indicia hearing or printing portion P of which projectsthrough an opening in the fiat face 17 of jaw 13 for cooperation withplaten 25, being supported by a rigid backing member B which is securelyclamped between the rear fiat surface of jaw face 17 and the clampingblock 26. Preferably the clamping block 26 is drawn toward and retainedin operative clamping position by one of the screws 20 which alsofunctions to secure the cutting die 22 on the jaw 13. To this end, theclamp or clamping block is provided with an elongated openingtherethrough for passage of the screw 20, and to permit longitudinaladjustment of the position of clamp 26. It will be understood that bothof the screws 20 and 21 are slidably disposed through the jaw 13 inthreaded engagement with the cutting die or die-block 22, and thattightening of the screw 20 will simultaneously draw both the clamp 26and the cutting die 22 against opposite sides of the fiat jaw faceportion 17.

Advantageously, both jaws are of channel shape in cross section, andclamp 26 is proportioned for reception between the opposing side wallsof the channeled jaw 13 to be restrained thereby against angulardisplacement about the axis of its single actuating screw 20.

A spacer or a stop plate 27 of suitable thickness may be affixed to theextreme forward end of the jaw 13 for abutment against platen 25 tolimit the movement of the jaws toward each other so as to avoid theexertion of excessive or harmful compression on the printing device 24.

It will be apparent that when a piece of flat sheet material,'as forinstance the bundle tag of FIGURE 5, is placed between the open jaws 13,14 as shown in FIG- URE 1, and the jaws thereafter are moved toward eachother, the cutting die 22 will be forced through the intervening sheetmaterial and into opening 23 in such a manner that the cooperatingmarginal edges of the cutting die will coact with the contiguouslydisposed marmginal edges of the opening 23 to exert a shearing actionfor severing from the sheet material a portion or tab corresponding insize and shape to the opening 23.

In order to limit the extent to which the sheet material is insertedbetween the jaws, there is provided a stop 28 which is afiixed to andextends across the flat face of jaw 14 with its upturned ends 28disposed laterally on opposite sides of the path of movement of jaw 13.The forward edges of these upturned ends, which are adapted for abutmentwith the inserted edge of the bundle tag, are in a plane which isdisplaced forwardly from the pivot at least as far as the adjacent rearends of the cutting die 22 and the opening 23. Thus the stop 28positions the sheet material between the jaws so that the resultingshearing action forms in the material a slot which opens outwardlythrough one edge of the material to facilitate easy removal of thematerial from the device even before the jaws are fully reopened. Withthis arrangement also the device will be adapted for easy removal oftabs of uniform length and also the device will be caused to apply theprinted data at a predetermined distance inwardly from the edge of thebundle tag.

The removed or severed portions or tabs, designated by the referencecharacter T, in FIGURE 2, are received and stored in the receptacle 29which is removably supported from the jaw 14 by means of laterallyprojecting tracks 30 affixed to opposite sides of this jaw, andoverhanging ledges 3131 affixed to and projecting inwardly from theopposite side walls of the receptacle 29 for longitudinal slidingmovement on the tracks 30. The end walls of the receptacle, as isapparent from FIGURES 2 and 3, are of lesser height than the sidesthereof for re ception of the lower portion of the jaw 14. Preferablythe fit between the receptacle and the jaw is sufficiently snug toprovide for frictional retention of the receptacle on the jaw 14. Thejaw 14 thus serves as a cover or lid for the receptacle 29 and the crosssectional shape and proportions of the receptacle sufficiently approachthe shape and proportions of the tabs as to encourage the reception andstorage of the tabs in stacked relation in the order of their reception.

Thus in the operation of the device in its preferred field of use in agarment assembly line, as each opera-tor completes a given operation oncomponents of a particular bundle of garment components, she employs thedevice to remove from the bundle tag which accompanies the bundle a tab,and to apply her identifying number or symbol on the main body of thebundle tag opposite the location from which the tab or token is removed.By way of more specific illustration, a portion of a conventional bundetag, designated 33 in its entirety, is illustrated in FIGURE 5. This tagcomprises a main body portion 34 which accompanies the bundle of garmentcomponents throughout its travel down the assembly line, and is dividedby printed lines or score lines into a plurality of tags 35 to bedetached and retained by the respective operators. The cutting die 22and its associated opening 23 are proportioned to remove or sever asingle such tag 35, the stop 28 being positioned so that when one edgeof the tab 33 is inserted between the open jaws 13 and 14 into abuttingengagement with the stop 28, the printing device 24 will be positionedto imprint the operators identifying number, exemplified in FIGURE 5 asthe number 5150, on the main body 34 of the bundle tag opposite the tagwhich is removed and simultaneously with the removal thereof. Theremoved tags will be received and stored within the receptacle 29,normally being stacked therein in the order of their removal.Periodically the accumulated tags T may be removed from the receptacle29, the latter being uncovered for this purpose by removal thereof fromthe jaw 14 in obvious manner.

In this application, there is shown and described only the preferredembodiment of the invention, but as aforementioned, it is to beunderstood that the invention is capable of various changes ormodifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed bythe accompanying claims.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim:

.1. A sheet material severing and printing device comprising a pair ofmedially-crossed and pivotallyinterconnected levers formed to provide apair of relatively-opposed jaws and a pair of relatively-opposedoperating handles respectively on opposite sides of their pivotalinterconnection, a cutting die affixed to one of said jaws forcooperating reception in and shearing relation with the edges of aconformingly-shaped mating opening through the opposing said jaw, incombination with a printing device fixedly carried by said one jawadjacent the free end thereof and a platen carried by the said opposingjaw in position for cooperation with said printing device, said one jawbeing formed with an opening therethrough adjacent its free end, saidprinting device comprising a rigid backing member overlying said openingon the remote side of said one jaw from the opposing said jaw, saidprinting member including a printing portion carried by said backing andprojecting through said last-mentioned opening toward the opposing jaw,and clamping means on said remote side of said one jaw for releasablyengaging said backing plate to removably secure said printing member inoperative position.

2. A sheet material severing and printing device as defined in claim 1wherein said jaws are formed of relatively opposed flat surfaces andincluding threaded means removably securing said cutting die to said onejaw, said threaded means slidably extending through said one jaw andthreadedly interconnecting said cutting die and said clamping block anddrawing them toward each other into engagement with opposite sides ofthe said one jaw.

5 3. The combination defined in claim 2 further including a stop memberaffixed to said opposing jaw presenting a stop surface in a planegenerally coincident with one edge of the opening through said opposingjaw.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1906 Killacky101--26 X 6/1934 Heise 30-363 6 2,014,727 9/1935 Flood 10190 2,109,3892/1938 Henry 101-90 X FOREIGN PATENTS 341,207 8/1904 France.

ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner.

W. MCCARTHY, Assistant Examiner.

1. A SHEET MATERIAL SEVERING AND PRINTING DEVICE COMPRISING A PAIR OFMEDIALLY-CROSSED AND PIVOTALLY-INTERCONNECTED LEVERS FORMED TO PROVIDE APAIR OF RELATIVELY-OPPOSED JAWS AND A PAIR OF RELATIVELY-OPPOSEDOPERATING HANDLES RESPECTIVELY ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THEIR PIVOTALINTERCONNECTION, A CUTTING DIE AFFIXED TO ONE OF SAID JAWS FORCOOPERATING RECEPTION IN AND SHEARING RELATION WITH THE EDGES OF ACONFORMINGLY-SHAPED MATING OPENING THROUGH THE OPPOSING SAID JAW, INCOMBINATION WITH A PRINTING DEVICE FIXEDLY CARRIED BY SAID ONE JAWADJACENT THE FREE END THEREOF AND A PLATEN CARRIED BY THE SAID OPPOSINGJAW IN POSITION FOR COOPERATION WITH SAID PRINTING DEVICE, SAID ONE JAWBEING FORMED WITH AN OPENING THERETHROUGH ADJACENT ITS FREE END, SAIDPRINTING DEVICE COMPRISING A RIGID BACKING MEMBER OVERLYING SAID OPENINGON THE REMOTE SIDE OF SAID ONE JAW FROM THE OPPOSING SAID JAW, SAIDPRINTING MEMBER INCLUDING A PRINTING PORTION CARRIED BY SAID BACKING ANDPROJECTING THROUGH SAID LAST-MENTIONED OPENING TOWARD THE OPPOSING JAW,AND CLAMPING MEANS ON SAID REMOTE SIDE OF SAID ONE JAW FOR RELEASABLYENGAGING SAID BACKING PLATE TO REMOVABLY SECURE SAID PRINTING MEMBER INOPERATIVE POSITION.